Northside Health Library

Hypochromia

Definition

Hypochromia means that the red blood cells have less color than normal when examined under a microscope. This usually occurs when there is not enough of the pigment that carries oxygen (hemoglobin) in the red blood cells.

The most common cause of hypochromia in the United States is iron deficiency. The cause of hypochromia should be evaluated by your health care provider.